It is not every day that a teenager gets to swap the classroom for a dream job down under.

But that is exactly what Gracie Messner, who studies at Coleg y Cymoedd in Ystrad Mynach, has done.

The 19-year-old is living and working on the remote Waiheke Island, off the coast of Auckland, after taking a job as a graphic designer at a web development company.

Gracie studied A-levels in fine art, graphic design and ICT at the college before travelling around New Zealand after finishing her exams in 2013.

Originally she had planned a short visit to the country. But Gracie has now set up home on Waiheke Island, and is considering applying for permanent residency when she becomes eligible.

While travelling, Gracie’s talent for graphic design was spotted by her new employer after she designed a logo for a new bar and restaurant that was opening on the island. The agency were so impressed with her talents that they offered her a full-time position.

She said: “Life in New Zealand is a world away from home but I absolutely love it.

“I had originally planned to go to university after travelling but I am so happy here I don’t want to leave and have instead signed up for a part-time online degree course in graphic design.”

Gracie, who hails from Llanbradach, added: “I have always been a creative person but until I went to Coleg y Cymoedd I didn’t know how I could make a career out of my passion.

“The college tutors were so passionate and really encouraged me to develop my confidence, while at the same time giving me the freedom to develop my own style. When it came to getting my first job I definitely felt able to present myself and my work to them.”

Vanessa Batten, Gracie’s graphic design tutor at Coleg y Cymoedd, said: “Gracie is a fantastic example of what students from our course can achieve. It is almost unheard of for agencies to take on employees straight from A-level courses but in this case Gracie blew them away with her work and talent for design.

“I’m delighted Gracie has decided to continue her studies part-time as she will continue to develop her skills and learning. We have had great success with students on the A-level graphic design course at Coleg y Cymoedd over recent years with the majority being accepted onto degree courses without the requirement of the foundation course which is usually expected by universities.”